Former seminarians meet our newest seminarian (left to right): John Tapp, Aaron Cipriani, Erik Abrahamsen, John Le Tourneau, and current seminarian Toshio Sato.

Lasting Bonds

Contributed by Father Ray Van Dorpe, CM

Every September, the Catholic press carries a story or two about enrollment in seminaries across the country. And every spring, there are stories about the size and composition of the class of newly ordained priests.

Perhaps this is news to many people, but more young men actually leave the seminary than are ordained as priests or take vows as brothers. Studies of seminaries over the years consistently show that only about 50 percent of men who enter the seminary (for the full eight years of formation) are ordained. What happens to the other 50 percent? Many, maybe even most, of them go on to become faithful, dedicated Christian laymen. They raise families, build successful careers, get involved in their parishes, and always carry with them the experiences of faith, education, and community they found during their seminary years.

For those who attended the seminaries for the Congregation of the Mission, these bonds run deep, but are often buried. While some classes or groups of former seminarians have kept in touch over the years and have had frequent reunions, many former students have had only occasional contacts with their Vincentian classmates.

At the urging of a few of these men and many current Vincentians, the Midwest Province decided to sponsor a gathering in Chicago and invite as many former Vincentian seminarians as could be found. The theme for the gathering was “Vincentian Connections: Remember the Past, Celebrate the Future,” and was graciously hosted by the confreres at our present seminary, Perboyre Mis­sion House, near the campus of DePaul University. The response was great: Over 40 former seminarians and confreres said they would attend.

Teresa Manna, Develop­ ment Director, spearheaded the project from the communication side, while Father Pat McDevitt, CM, and the confreres at Perboyre took care of the details of hospitality: namely, food, drink, and a welcoming atmosphere. Collected photos of the old days were displayed, and invitees brought their own photos to share. Slide shows played of past and present confreres, many of whom were seminary teachers. Current seminarians Jeremy Dixon and Toshio Sato were present. They had a chance to meet their “elders” and learn how formation has changed over the years.

Many of the guests were grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with old classmates and share a few old “war stories.” But as they gathered in groups on the back porch, in the living room, in the garage (set up as a dining area), and out into the alley, talk also revolved around more current topics: the new residence for seniors in Perryville, the mission of the Midwest Province in Kenya, the growth of DePaul University. As former seminarians talked with current Vincentians, it became clear that their interest went beyond reliving old memories, and was more about reconnecting with the community that had given them a formation in Vincentian values. They wanted to be connected not just with the priests and brothers of the province, but with their work as well.

The Midwest Province hopes to continue such “re-connecting” events on a regional basis in the future. Please contact the Midwest Province office if you wish to be notified of upcoming events.